Symptoms of Insulin Resistance - a Warning Sign of Diabetes?

Insulin resistance occurs
when the body doesn't process insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that helps control
the amount of sugar in the blood. The body stops reacting normally to the effects of insulin,
and so it needs more insulin in order to have the same response. A body may have normal blood
glucose levels for years before this condition develops. The cells' resistance to insulin
will continue to increase over time if nothing is done to stop it.

Is this a warning sign for the development of type 2 diabetes? People
who are classified as "pre-diabetic"
are normally insulin resistant, as are people with type 2 diabetes, so it is
certainly a risk factor.

Unfortunately, there are usually no symptoms and people are often unaware
that anything is amiss. A reluctance to visit a doctor regularly can also
result in this condition being undiagnosed for long periods. A doctor can make a diagnosis
by taking a patient history, evaluating risk factors, and doing blood tests.

"Treatment" is in the form of lifestyle changes.
Changes in both diet and exercise may help to reduce or reverse
insulin resistance and lower
the risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Diet changes in particular center around
carbohydrates. Carbs are broken up into sugars which are then absorbed by the body. Some types
of carbs absorb faster than others. A food's effect on blood sugar is known as the
glycemic index.
Foods with a lower glycemic index are preferable as they provide a slower release of glucose
into the blood.

The information on this website is based on our own research and personal experience,
and is not a substitute for medical advice. Questions about your health and individual
situation should be directed to your doctor.